Charlotte heath



(No Model.) 2 $118815S-$h66t 1.

G.HEATH.. MACHINE FOR PERFORATING DOCUMENTS.

No. 571,365. Patented Nov. 17, 1896.

(No Model.) 2 sheets sheet 2. C. HEATH.

MACHINE FOR PBRPORATING DOCUMENTS.

Patented Nov. 17,1896.

H l I UNITED ST TEs PATENT FFICE.

MACHINE FOR PERFORATING DOCUMENTS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 571,365, dated November17, 1896. Application filed March 9, 1896. Serial No. 582,409. (Nomodel.) Patented in England December 5, 1891, No. 21,251.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, CHARLOTTE HEATH, a subject of the Queen of GreatBritain, residing at London, England, have invented a new and usefulMachine for Perforating or Marking Documents, (for which I have obtaineda patent in Great Britain, numbered 21,251, bearing date December 5,1891,) of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in' apparatus for perforating ormarking documents for the detection of forgery; and the objects of myimprovements are, first, to make marks or perforations in any determinedpositions relatively to each other, so that on the receipt of a documentso marked or perforated the comparison of the relative positions of thesaid marks or perforations thereon or therein will enable the receiverto ascertain whether the document is genuine or not; second, to combinethe marking or perforating devices so that their positions relatively toeach other can be altered as desired, and, third, to combine the saidperforating or marking devices with apparatus by which they can bereadily used. to perforate or mark documents. I attain these objects bythe mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure1 is a side view, partly in section, of a combined press and perforatingdevice. Fig. 2 is a similar view, partly broken off, of the same,showingthe arm of the press carrying the perforating device partlyraised. Fig. 3 is an elevation showing the opposite side of theapparatus. Fig. 4 is a plan of the press with the perforating deviceremoved. Fig. 5 is atransverse vertical section showing the rising andfalling plunger and the devices for actuating it. Fig. 6 is a plan ofthe perforatingdevice. Fig. 7 is a transverse vertical section throughthe same. Fig. 8 is a similar transverse section at right angles to Fig.7. Fig. 9 is a vertical section, on alarger scale, through aperforating-punch. Fig. 10 is a View from below of the perforatingdevice, and Fig. 11 is a plan view in detail of the vertical plunger andthe eccentric-disk mounted thereon.

Similar letters and figures refer to similar parts throughout theseveral views.

a, I), and c are concentric rings fitted together and upon a centralpart cl so that they can be rotated. They are kept together by thestep-like formation shown in Figs. 7 and 8 and by a cross-bar f, securedto the central piece by the screws 9 g. On the faces of these rings Icut at intervals shallow notches or grooves radiating from the center soas to divide the faces of the rings into any desired number ofdivisions, each of which is marked with a letter or figure, as shown inFig. 6. I also provide catches or retainers, by which. when the ringsare adjusted, they are retained in position. This is effected by meansof the sliding catch-plateh, which fits in a guide 7L 0n the cross-barf. The projecting lower edge of the catch-plate 7t fits in radialgrooves 71 on the upper surface of the several rings a b c d. When theplate h is drawn back, all the rings can revolve independently and canbe ad justed in any desired relative position. The catch-plate h is thenpushed forward, its lower edge engaging with the grooves in all therings, which are therefore retained in their position.

A friction-pin a, Fig. 8, in the central piece d is pressed up by aspring, and by its friction prevents the catch-plate h from accidentallymoving back.

In the lower faces of the rings a b c d I fix the punches 7c forperforating or designs for printing the documents, the relative p0-sitions of these perforations or designs being governed by the relativepositions of the letters or figures on the rings to each other. Thepunches preferably have each a spring pushpiece 7o (shown on a largerscale in Fig. 9) for dislodging the piece of the document cut out by thepunch.

A great number of different combinations in the relative positions ofthe punches can be made by moving the rings around,(when they arereleased by withdrawing the catchplate 7b,) they being secured in theiradjusted position by causing the said catch-plate to engage with thenotch or groove in each ring which is brought beneath it. The notches orgrooves should of course be so arranged that the several notches orgrooves of each ring only form one radial line.

In using the apparatus, any relative position of ,the rings beingadjusted the catchplate secures the rings in that position, and

the punches will have taken up positions relatively to each other, whichare always the same for the same positions of the rings, as indicated bythe letters, figures, or other indications marked on the divisions ofthe rings, as shown in Fig. 6, and if the'person who is to receive thedocument which has been perforated by the punches when so adjusted beadvised of the combinations of letters,figures, or markings adopted inperforating, and he be provided with a similarly-perforated paper, or ifhe be provided with a similar apparatus he by adjusting that apparatusto the code-letters advised by postor telegraph can perforate a piece ofpaper, and by comparing the perforations of this piece of paper with theperforations on the document received ascertain whether it is thegenuine document or not. The most convenient way of doing this is toplace the paper which he has perforated over the document on atransparent surface, and to facilitate this a central punch in theapparatus punches a central hole which can be placed over a pin on thetransparent surface, so that the paper and the document can be adjustedconveniently by a movement of rotation.

There may be any convenient number of rings and punches or the like inthe apparatus, the greater the number of rings and punches or the likeused the greater will be the variety of combinations which can be made.

Although I have described the punches as being carried by rings it willbe evident that they may be carried by straight or partly-circular bars,but the rings are, I consider, the most convenient form. It will beevident also that any suitable catches may be employed; forinstance,spring-catches engaging with holes in the divisions of the rings.

I have shown punches for making perforations, but it will be understoodthat any other marking device can be used in place thereof.

In order to conveniently use the improved device described, it isintroduced from below into a ring Z at the end of the arm on of a pressin which it is used (see Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4:, and 5) and is retained inposition by springcatches a n, pivoted in the ring Z, and the proj ecting ends of which enter a groove 0 around the outer ring a of the punchingdevice.

The arm on is pivoted at p to the hollow base r of the press, and itslower side is provided with a catch .9, by which it can be firmly helddown, as shown at Fig. 1, while when the catch is released it can beturned up on its centerp, as shown at Fig. 2. Turning in hearings in thesides of the base 1 of the press isfitted a spindle 25, havinga handleit at one end. The central part of this spindle at w is eccentric to theremainder and fits and turns in elongated holes in the sides 10 of ahollow plunger 50, which rises and falls in a cylindrical guide y uponthe base r, so that by turning the handle it the plunger m can be madeto rise and fall through a short distance.

The upper face of the plunger 00 consists of a flat disk, upon which isfitted by a central pin a disk 1, recessed upon its upper surface toreceive a disk 2 of lead or other suitable substance, against which theedges of the punches work. The hole in the top of the plunger 00 whichreceives the pin under the disk 1 is somewhat eccentric to the center ofthe plunger, so that if a central punch is used it does not alwaysstrike the same place upon the lead.

Below the eccentric spindle i is fitted a spindle 3, movinglongitudinally in guides in the base r and in the cylindrical guide 11in which the plunger 00 works. The spindle 3 is kept normally pressedinward by a' spring 4, and carries at its inner end an arm 5, attachedto a detent 6, by which the catch 8 upon the arm on is held down. Thedetent 6 is provided with lateral extensions '7, which work in guides 8on the sides of the base r.

Into the eccentric part of the spindle t is screwed or otherwise fixed aprojecting tooth or cam 9, which when the handle a is pressedsufficiently far down comes in contact with the collar 10 upon thespindle 3 and forces the latter back against the pressure of the spring4, releasing the catch .9 and allowing the arm on with the punchingdevices to be raised. A flat spring 11, Figs. 1 and 2, tends to raisethe arm when the catch is released, as shown in Fig. 2.

The spindle 3 is provided with a knob or handle 12 at its outer end, bywhich it can be drawn back to release the catch 3, if desired, withoutturning the spindle t.

The operation of my device if as follows: The apparatus being in theposition shown in Figs. 1 and3 and the punches or markers being set tothe desired arrangement, the paper or document to be marked is insertededgewise above the disk 2 and beneath the punches or markers. Thehandlever u is then thrown over to the left in Fig. 3 in ahalf circle,which movement will turn the eccentric 41 so as to raise the plunger y,carrying the disk 2 to the highest position, and the paper will beperforated or marked by the punches or markers The hand-lever u is thenthrown over to its original position and pressed down, causing the tooth9 to engage the collar 10 011 the spindle 3, and thus throwing thespindle outward, which, carrying with it the detent 6, releases thecatch 8 and allows the pivoted arm m to swing upward and the perforatedor otherwise-marked paper to be removed.

\Vhat I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent,is

1. In amachine for perforating or marking documents, the combination ofthe lettered or figured rotatable rings a, Z), 0, center (1-,perforating or marking instruments It, cross-bar f, radial grooves 2',sliding catch-plate h and guide h, substantially as described.

2. In a machine formarking or perforating documents, the combination ofthe lettered or figured rotatable rings a, b, 0, center (I, perforatingor marking instruments 7e, cross-bar f, radial grooves i, slidingcatch-plate h, guide it and friction-pin i, substantially as described.

3. In a machine for perforating or marking documents, the combinationwith an adj ustable perforating or marking-device composed vof acircular center block and circular concentric rings fitting over saidblock and adjustable thereon,means for securing said rings in thedesired position relative to each other and to said center block andperforating or marking instruments carried by said block and said rings;of a hollow base, an arm pivoted in said base and carrying saidperforating or marking device, means for locking said pivoted arm; aplunger mounted in said base, and movable vertically therein; aneccentric and a lever. connected thereto for operating said plunger, anda soft disk mounted upon said plunger and adapted to be thrown upwardagainst said perforating or marking instruments, substantially asdescribed.

at. In a machine for perforating or marking documents, the combinationwith an adjustable perforating or marking device composed of a circularcenter block and a plurality of circular concentric rings fitting oversaid block and adjustable thereon; means for securing said rings in thedesired position rela-' tive to each other and to said center block, andperforating or marking instruments carried by said block and said rings;of a hollow base; a curved arm pivoted in'said base and carrying saidperforating or marking device; means for locking said pivoted arm; avertical plunger mounted in said base beneath said perforating ormarking device; a soft disk mounted upon said plunger; an eccentric anda lever connected thereto for operatin g said plunger, and means forreleasing said pivoted arm adapted to be operated by said lever andeccentric, substantially as described.

5. In a machine for marking or perforating documents, the combinationwith an adjustable perforating or marking device composed of a centralcircular block and a plurality of circular concentric rings fitting oversaid central block; means for securing said rings to- 4 gether and tosaid central block in the desired position relative to each other, andperforating or marking instruments carried by said block and said rings;of a hollow base; a curved arm pivoted in said base and carrying saidperforating or marking devices; a catch on said pivoted arm; a spindlemounted in said base; adetent mounted upon said spindle and adapted toengage said catch; a spring normally pushing said spindle forward andholding said detent in engagement with said catch; a collar on saidspindle; a spring mounted in said frame and adapted to throw said catchout of engagement with said detent when said spindle is withdrawn; avertical plunger mounted in said base; an eccen tric working in saidplunger mounted in said base; a lip on said eccentric adapted to e11-gage the collar on said spindle, and a rocking lever for turning saideccentric, substantially as described.

6. In a machine for perforating or marking documents, the combinationwith an adj ustable perforating or marking device, of a hollow base, anarm pivoted in said base and carrying said perforating ormarking device,means for locking said pivoted arm; a plunger mounted in said base, andmovable therein; an eccentric and a lever connected thereto foroperating said plunger, and a soft disk mounted upon said plunger andadapted to be thrown upward against said perforating or markinginstruments, substantially as described.

7. In a machine for perforating or marking documents, the combinationwith an adjustable perforating or marking device, of a hollow base; acurved arm pivoted in said base and carrying said perforating or markingdevice; means for locking said pivoted arm; a vertical plunger mountedin said basebeneath said perforating or marking device; a soft diskmounted upon said plunger; an eccentric and a lever connected-theretofor operating said plunger, and means for releasing said pivoted armadapted to be operated by said lever and eccentric, substantially asdescribed.

8. In a machine for perforating or marking documents, the combinationwith an adjustable perforating or marking device, of ahollow base; acurved arm pivoted in said base and carryingsaid marking or perforatingdevice; a catch on said pivoted arm; a spindle mounted in said base; adetent mounted upon said spindle and adapted to engage said catch aspring normally pressing said spindle forward and holding said detent inengagement with said catch; a collar on said spindle; a spring mountedin said frame and adapted to throw said catch out of engagement withsaid detent when said spindle is withdrawn; a vertical plunger mountedin said base; an eccentric working in said plunger; a lip on saideccentric adapted to engage the collar on said spindle, and a rockinglever for turning said eccentric, substantially as described.

9-. In a machine for perforating or marking documents, the combinationwith an adjustable perforating or marking device composed of thelettered or figured rotatable rings a, b, 0, center cl, perforating ormarking instruments 7r, cross-bar f, radial grooves z, slidingcatch-plate h, and guide h; of a hollow base,

a curved arm pivoted in said base and carrying said marking orperforating devices, a catch on said pivoted arm, a spindle mounted insaid base, a detent mounted upon said spindle and adapted to'engage saidcatch, a spring normally pressing said spindle forward and holding saiddetent in engagement with said catch, a collar on said spindle, a springmounted in said frame and adapted to throw said catch out of engagementwith said detent When said spindle is Withdrawn, a Vertical plungermounted in said base, an eccentrio Working in said plunger, a lip onsaid eccentric adapted to engage the collar on said spindle, and arocking lever for turning said eccentric, substantially as described.

10. In a machine for marking or perforating documents, the combinationwith an adjustable perforating or marking device composed of thelettered or figured rotatable rings a, b, 0, center (I, perforating ormarking instruments 7c, cross-bar f, radial grooves 2', slidingcatch-plate h, guide h, and friction-pin i; of

a hollow base, a curved arm pivoted in said base, and carrying saidmarking or perforating devices, a catch on said pivoted arm, a spindlemounted in said base, a detent mounted upon said spindle and adapted toengage said catch, a spring normally pressing said spindle forward andholding said detent in engagement With said catch, a collar on saidspindle, a spring mounted in said frame and adapted to throw said catchout of engagement with said detent when said spindle is Withdrawn, aVertical plunger mounted in said base, an eccentric Working in saidplunger, a lip on said eccentric adapted to engage a collar on saidspindle, and a rocking lever for turning said eccentric, substantiallyas described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of twoWitnesses. CHARLOTTE HEATH. WVitnesses:

ALEX. RIDGWAY, W". E. SYKEs.

